Prescot’s ground-breaking new theatre Shakespeare North Playhouse opened its doors for the first time today.
The venue is home to the only 17th-century style, timber-built "Cockpit" theatre outside London and is able to seat 450 spectators. Built entirely during the pandemic with public funds and donations, the new venue is anticipated to attract more than 140,000 visitors a year.
The venue is also home to a fully-accessible outdoor performance garden funded by the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, an exhibition gallery, a 60-seater studio theatre, learning centre, events spaces, and a café and bar with outdoor piazza. The venue opened its doors from 11am today, July 15, and welcomed guests to take part in a free outdoor event this evening to mark the occasion.
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The ceremony celebrated the theatre's opening, the heritage of Prescot and its local community. The event, which is part of Knowsley’s Borough of Culture 2022, allowed guests to take part in the opening of the venue, telling them to “prepare for all of the noise, glamour and silliness we can muster”.
The ‘All the Joy That You Can Wish’ event featured ‘local heroes’ including the builders who helped construct the venue and Prescot Cables FC players, who gathered outside the theatre for the ceremony. More events are set to take place throughout the weekend, curated by inspirational Prescot-born playwright, actor and community champion Ashleigh Nugent, acclaimed Artist of the Year in the 2021 Liverpool City Region Culture & Creativity Awards.
The venue will also host a programme of regular family and community activities and events during its opening season, including pre-school music, storytelling and spoken word sessions, monthly open mic nights for beginners and experienced performers, craft, heritage, art and writing workshops for families, local school children and adults.
Highlights of the venue’s spectacular season include a modern take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Christmas Carol, and ‘Evenings with’ St Helens' comedian Johnny Vegas, and acclaimed Liverpool playwright, Jimmy McGovern.
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